MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Today, CongressmanJerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement regarding House consideration of H.R. 8595:

“Today the House voted on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation will weaken diplomatic and development capacities critical to national security and further isolate America on the global stage. Among other devastating cuts, it slashes $1.1 billion from international organizations—a blatant attempt to undermine American diplomacy around the world, as well as efforts to bolster global health and combat the climate crisis. The bill also includes specific and heinous attacks on women and LGBTQ+ individuals globally. Republicans also cruelly attached unrelated legislation to this bill that would undermine Americans’ democratic rights, including the fundamental right to vote, in service of a cynical partisan political agenda.

“In addition to the underlying bill, the House also considered several dangerous amendments, including amendments that would undermine efforts to build a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

“Most significantly, the overly broad Massie amendment, which imposes a blanket prohibition on any funds in the bill being used for Israel, including embassy operations, critical peacebuilding programs like the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Program (MEPPA), and more. MEPPA is the legacy of my dear late friend and colleague Nita Lowey and plays a critical role in peacebuilding and people-to-people relations between Israelis and Palestinians. Such efforts are absolutely necessary for real progress ever to be made in the region towards a viable, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

“I have made no secret my opinion of Prime Minister Netanyahu. I have often called him the worst leader in Jewish history since the Maccabean king who invited the Romans into Jerusalem over 2100 years ago. Netanyahu is responsible for Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, growing isolation in the region and around the world, and partisan politicization within American politics. He is responsible for the attempts to undermine Israel’s democratic character in service of keeping himself from facing justice, and for using the lives of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians as political pawns in his monomaniacal quest to cling to power. Under his leadership, Hamas grew a stronghold in Gaza with tragically disastrous results, and the Palestinian Authority has been shortsightedly weakened, undermining any viable alternative. Settler violence has surged in the West Bank, and new Palestinian terrorist entities have arisen. In short, Netanyahu has been a disaster for Israel and for all those around the world concerned with the future of the region. 

“I do not question the many well-intentioned supporters of the amendment who voted for it as a means of sending a message of disapproval of Israel’s actions. I share their disapproval of these actions, and I will never shy away from expressing my critiques of Israel’s behavior loudly and publicly without fear. However, I refuse to support prohibiting funding for the very peace-building programs and activities that are perhaps our best hope at present of improving the reality on the ground and building towards long-term peace. These programs, funded in memory of Chairwoman Lowey, are persistently under attack, with their funding under constant risk. I simply will not join those undermining the heroic efforts of these peace-seekers.

“I also want to strongly oppose the Tenney amendment, which called on the House to support upending the precarious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. As a progressive, I believe that religious freedom and equal access for all are important principles governing international relations. This amendment, however, fundamentally misapplied these principles to a tenuous and potentially dangerous situation on the Temple Mount. The status quo on the Temple Mount exists in a delicate arrangement, which is best explained by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s own words: “Muslims pray on the Temple Mount; non-Muslims visit the Temple Mount.” This policy was established in 1967 after Israel conquered the territory on which the Temple Mount stands, and it has been regularly reaffirmed by every Israeli Prime Minister and Government since.

“It is only now, when there are extremists and previously convicted terrorists serving as members of the Israeli cabinet, that this extremely delicate agreement has begun to erode. Over the past years, instigated by Israel’s so-called “Minister of National Security,” radical Israeli extremists have been methodically testing the limits and attempting to move the goal posts of the fragile status quo agreement. These provocateurs understand the implications of their actions. In fact, many of the most important Ultra-Orthodox and Orthodox Rabbis in Israel forbid visiting the top of the Temple Mount on religious grounds. But these agitators and instigators selectively seek out particular Rabbinic advice that place kosher certifications on their inciting actions. 

“It was former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount that many believe triggered the outbreak of the Second Intifada. And in recent years, social media clips exposing Israeli police beating Muslim worshipers in and around al-Aqsa Mosque with clubs and rifle butts have provoked violent responses and provided the pretext for rockets from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and more. Any attempts to change the letter, or even the spirit, of the status quo agreement on the Temple Mount has the potential to beget untold levels of violence and further dramatically destabilize the region.

“In addition to these amendments, I oppose the amendment aimed at defunding assistance to our vital ally Jordan, the United Nations and its important diplomacy around the world, the Global Environment Facility aiding in climate resilience in light of climate change around the world, and the Fulbright Program, which is the gold-standard of education and cultural exchange programs. 

“I am also deeply disappointed that the Republican majority refused to allow consideration of my bipartisan amendment to prohibit the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (SEHI) from being eliminated or merged into another office. SEHI is the only office in the U.S. Government solely dedicated to advocating for Holocaust survivors. As I have said before, if this Administration truly cared about Holocaust survivors, they would strengthen the SEHI office—not eliminate it.

“Today’s legislation will make the world less safe and less secure for generations to come. Unfortunately, I was unable to vote due to a family medical emergency in New York. Had I been present, I would have voted against this deeply shameful bill and the dangerous amendments considered by the House. When this bill is sent to the Senate, I urge them to take a more responsible course.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Reps. Jack Bergman, John James, Lisa McClain, and John Moolenaar are demanding immediate action from the Canadian government as another wildfire season brings dangerous smoke across the border and into Michigan communities.

After repeated conversations sharing concerns, and a lack of meaningful progress, the Members are making clear that continued inaction from Canada is unacceptable. The Members say Canadian leaders have had years to address the underlying causes of worsening wildfires, yet American families continue to bear the consequences.

In a joint letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Michigan Republicans warned that patience has run out and called on Canada to move beyond promises and take real action to protect communities on both sides of the border.

In their letter, the Members argued that, “We write today as members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to raise our voices on an issue that has already drawn letters from our colleagues in past years: wildfire smoke drifting across the border from Canada into our communities. Additionally, last year, Reps. James and Bergman each wrote letters to your government to raise the alarm about wildfire smoke pouring across our border from Canada into our communities. We write jointly this time because a year has passed, the season has come around again, and nothing has changed except that our patience has run out.”

The letter to Prime Minister Carney continued, “We were told last year that this would be treated with urgency. It was not. We were told the causes, chronic under-investment in forest thinning, fuel reduction, and prescribed burns, along with inadequate enforcement against arson, were being addressed. They were not, or not adequately enough to matter to the people we represent. Provincial leaders have offered excuses instead of results, and in some cases have openly dismissed the health of American citizens as an inconvenience to their own summer. That attitude is unacceptable from a neighbor and an ally.”

“We are done accepting apologies in place of action. If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people. That means our own agencies exploring direct involvement in cross-border fuel reduction and firefighting capacity. It means reconsidering how much benefit of the doubt this relationship continues to earn on an issue where American lungs are paying the price for Canadian inaction, year after year. Sovereignty comes with responsibility, and the responsibility to prevent a foreseeable disaster from crossing into another country’s airspace has not been met.”

Read the full letter here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement after voting “Present” on far-right extremist Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Massie’s amendment would have cut foreign aid to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians and funding for refugee resettlement, peace-building, and U.S. Embassy operations. 

“I stand firmly against sending offensive weapons to Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and I continue to call for the protection of Palestinian civilians, a surge of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and a two-state solution to bring peace and self-determination to Israelis and Palestinians,” said Thompson. 

“I cannot support this amendment because it is so poorly drafted and overly broad that it would defund our efforts to protect civilians and promote peace, taking us farther from our goals. At the same time, I stand firmly against Netanyahu’s conduct in Gaza and his efforts to drag us into conflict with Iran.

“I voted ‘present’ in protest of Netanyahu and in solidarity with our peacekeeping efforts. This amendment was proposed by an extremist as an unserious solution to an incredibly serious issue and I refuse to play cheap political games when it comes to matters of global conflict,” he concluded. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement after voting YES on an amendment to H.R. 8595, cutting $3.3 billion in military funding to Israel. 

“The United States and Israel have a long and important relationship, and I will always support the safety and security of the Israeli people. But the status quo is untenable,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I cannot support funding for military aid to any country that fails to comply with U.S. law, U.S. interests, and U.S. values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet its commitments to peace, humanitarian access, and international law. In Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and now in its efforts to draw the United States further into conflict with Iran, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has shown that it cannot be trusted to use these funds responsibly. That is why I voted yes today.”

“This vote is about the conduct of a government—not Israel’s right to exist, and never the Israeli people. I will continue to support funding for critical defensive programs. Criticism of a government is never license for antisemitism or Islamophobia, and I will keep fighting both wherever they appear,” Matsui continued. “This amendment is not perfect. It is drafted broadly enough that it could affect more than Foreign Military Financing. True security requires a sustainable path: surging humanitarian aid to Gaza, halting settlement construction and settler violence in the West Bank, upholding Palestinian self-determination, and securing permanent peace.

“Republican leadership brought this amendment up in bad faith to divide a growing pro-peace coalition,” Matsui concluded. “I will not let that bad faith obscure the truth: continuing to send military assistance to the Netanyahu government without accountability is not a path to peace.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)

WASHINGTON, D.C.- This week, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released documents to confirm yet again that the Biden-led Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spied on Members of Congress in Project Cranberry, accessing privileged information transmitted to and from former Trump-White House personnel during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s out-of-control investigation. Congressman Biggs was one of 44 Members of Congress whose information Smith’s team seized.

In his revelation, Senator Grassley noted that “Biden DOJ and FBI investigators apparently ignored their own routine investigative protocols to obtain and review work-related messages from … dozens of my Republican and Democrat colleagues who were outside the scope of the government’s investigation.”

“As a student of history, I’ve long read about totalitarian governments that spy on and persecute political opponents to squelch dissent,”said Congressman Biggs.“I never believed that these authoritarian practices would be found at the highest levels of our American government, let alone that I would be a target of my own government for my lawful actions as a representative of the people and my political affiliation. If our government was willing to target Members of Congress, then they are certainly and shamelessly targeting everyday Americans without fear of reprisal. Those who knew about, supported, and led this operation against the opposition party – among others during the Biden Administration – must be held accountable for their actions. We must send a message to future administrations that these efforts are un-American and unlawful, and that these will not be tolerated from any political party.”

Read the report from Chairman Grassley here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

 Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP), released the following statement after voting against House Republicans’ Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill.

“This bill should have been our moment to strengthen America and show the world that American leadership still matters. Done right, it would have made our nation safer, stronger, and more secure—at home and abroad. Instead, it falls painfully short,” said Rep. Frankel.

“Rather than making smart investments in the tools that prevent conflict and build peace and prosperity, the Trump Administration has embraced bullying, reckless tariffs, and a war that is costing our nation billions of dollars and countless lives, with no end in sight. Real security requires more than military force. It requires diplomacy. It requires development. It requires humanitarian leadership. It means showing up before a crisis becomes a catastrophe, before instability becomes extremism, and before conflict becomes war. That is how we build strong alliances, create trading partners, stop diseases before they reach our shores, and keep America’s sons and daughters out of costly wars.

“Instead of repairing the damage caused by dismantling USAID, this bill doubles down. It slashes humanitarian assistance, weakens our diplomatic corps, undermines development programs that advance American interests, and turns its back on the partnerships that have strengthened our nation for generations. Foreign assistance is not charity—it is a strategic investment in our national security. When America steps back, our adversaries—including China—step in.

“As Ranking Member of the NSRP Subcommittee, I will continue fighting for a foreign policy that reflects our values and protects our security. A strong America requires both hard power and soft power. Our greatest strength has never been our military alone—it is our diplomacy, our alliances, our humanitarian leadership, and our enduring commitment to building a more stable, more prosperous, and more secure world. This bill fails to meet that standard, which is why I voted no.”

The FY27 NSRP bill would

• Slash development and global health programs that strengthen stability, promote economic opportunity, combat poverty, and prevent and treat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.

• Turn its back on women and families worldwide by cutting international family planning programs, prohibiting U.S. contributions to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and expanding the Global Gag Rule.

• Expand ideological restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance by conditioning aid on compliance with anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ policies while limiting health providers’ ability to provide complete medical information.

• Abandon America’s leadership at the United Nations by eliminating funding for the U.N. Regular Budget and voluntary contributions to UNICEF, the U.N. Development Programme, and U.N. Women, creating opportunities for adversaries like China and Russia to expand their influence.

• Eliminate funding for proven American institutions, including the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Inter-American Foundation, and the U.S. African Development Foundation, weakening efforts to prevent conflict, strengthen democracy, expand economic opportunity, and advance U.S. interests abroad.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Text of Resolution (PDF)

WASHINGTON – In recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the work still to be done to create a nation that lives up to the founding ideals of liberty and justice for all, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Representatives Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove introduced the America 250 Reproductive Justice Resolution. This resolution affirms reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right and supports policies that advance reproductive justice, including universal healthcare, maternal healthcare, paid family leave, comprehensive sex education, and protections against pregnancy-related criminalization.

“As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, we must also acknowledge that the fundamental freedoms this nation was founded on are not enjoyed by all its people—especially the right to one’s own body and reproductive freedom,” said Rep. Pressley, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “As Trump and his co-conspirators attempt to deny essential reproductive health care, it’s more important now than ever that we affirm and fight for every person’s freedom to access reproductive care and make their own health care decisions. I’m proud to introduce this critical resolution with Congresswomen Lateefah Simon and Sydney Kamlager-Dove and work to build a world where bodily autonomy is enshrined as a right, not treated as a privilege.”

“While Republicans are spending the 250^th anniversary attacking our fundamental freedoms, we have to name what the future can and should look like for women and families. The reproductive justice movement was started by Black women in the 1990s, and I am honored to join my colleagues and reproductive justice leaders Congresswomen Pressley and Kamlager-Dove to introduce this resolution,” said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. “As the Supreme Court and the Trump Administration rollback reproductive healthcare protections, wage a war on Medicaid and education, and drive prices ever upward, they are putting women, children, low-income people, and families in impossible situations. This resolution is our blueprint for what the reproductive justice movement needs to look like going forward, and we will fight until every person has the dignity, resources, and access to care that they deserve.”

“Trump and Republicans are using America’s 250th birthday to push a dystopian, warped definition of freedom that actually restricts our freedoms, especially for women,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “As we celebrate America at 250, we must reaffirm that our founding ideal of freedom includes not just reproductive freedom, but reproductive justice. Every woman should be free to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care—including abortion—and to decide when, if, and how to have children. Reproductive justice is a fundamental human right.”

Read the full text of the resolution here.

This resolution is endorsed by: All Above All, Women’s March, UltraViolet Action, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association, Oshun Family Center, SIECUS, Women with a Vision, Doula Alliance of Maryland, SisterReach Illinois and SisterReach, Inc., Women’s Law Project, IBBG, SiX Action, Avow, Working Families Party, Birth In Color, Women’s Health & Evolutionary Wellness, Planned Parenthood of Maryland, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Guttmacher Institute, Black Muva Convos, Ibis Reproductive Health, ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, National Health Law Program, Baltimore City Women’s Commission, Equality Federation, Forward Together, Reproductive Justice Maryland, Gender Justice, Cobalt, Ipas US, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Women’s Health Specialists, Abortion Action Missouri, Men4Choice, MomsRising, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, Medical Students for Choice, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, Catholics for Choice, Power to Decide, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. 

“America was founded on the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—a promise that has too often been denied to women, people of color, immigrants, low-income communities, and gender-expansive people. As we mark this country’s 250th anniversary, we have a responsibility to reflect honestly on where America has fallen short and to push it toward the best version of itself,” said All Above All President Nourbese Flint. “At a moment when those in power are rolling back our rights—banning abortion, attacking trans people, targeting immigrant families—the For All Our Futures resolution insists on something bigger: a future where reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to build our families are central to the American promise.”

In her time serving in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect and advance reproductive justice and ensure fundamental life-saving reproductive health care for all.

In marking the fourth anniversary of the devastating Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley uplifted and engaged families impacted by Republicans attacks on abortion care and issued a call to action to restore and expand access to abortion care, birth control, IVF, and true reproductive freedom.

• In June 2026, during a speech on the House floor, Rep. Pressley commanded a moment of silence to honor those who have died because they were denied essential abortion care. 
• In June 2026, Rep. Pressley led a press conference with House Democratic Leadership to mark the fourth anniversary of the devastating Supreme Court Dobbs decision and offer her vision of seeing true reproductive justice realized and essential reproductive healthcare protected and expanded.
• In June 2026, Rep. Pressley joined impacted individuals and abortion storytellers to initiate a powerful day of action for the fourth anniversary of the devastating Dobbs decision, offering a message of resilient community support and a commitment to ensure abortion care is treated as the fundamental human right it is. Video is available here.
• On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.
• Rep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere. 
• Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.
• Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide.
• Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
• Rep. Pressley has been outspoken in demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. In June 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech in which she underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom. Rep. Pressley issued a statement after Adriana’s infant son Chance was delivered via emergency Cesarean section and Adriana was taken off life support.
• In May 2026, Pressley and her colleagues led 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging them to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would upend the FDA approval process and restrict access to mifepristone.
• On August 18, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the passage of the updated Shield Act in Massachusetts, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey this month. The expanded Shield Act strengthens legal protections for people seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts.
• On July 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the final passage of Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill that will rip healthcare and food assistance away from millions of people, including in Massachusetts, push reproductive healthcare further out of reach nationwide, and fuel Trump’s unlawful mass deportation agenda.
• On July 1, 2025, Rep. Pressley filed an amendment to Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill to protect and expand reproductive healthcare.
• On June 26, 2025, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the harmful Medina v. Planned Parenthood ruling, the Supreme Court’s decision to allow South Carolina to bar Medicaid patients from receiving healthcare services at Planned Parenthood.
• On June 24, 2025, Rep. Pressley joined House Democratic Leadership for a press conference to mark the somber anniversary and renew her calls for comprehensive legislation to protect abortion care and expand access to reproductive healthcare.
• On June 23, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.
• In June 2025, Rep. Pressley demanded justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban.
• On May 29, 2025, Rep. Pressley reintroduced a resolution demanding equitable access to reproductive and sexual healthcare for people with disabilities, and designating a day in May as “Disability Reproductive Equity Day.”
• On May 21, 2025, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House Floor in which she slammed Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid, which is necessary to ensuring safe, healthy reproductive care and maternal health nationwide.
• On April 3, 2025, Rep. Pressley, alongside Reps. DeGette, Chu, Leger Fernández, Fletcher, Davids, Williams, sent a letter signed by 162 Members urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore all appropriated funding for Title X providers and coordinate an urgent meeting on the matter.
• On April 2, 2025, Rep. Pressley rallied with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), colleagues, and advocates outside the U.S. Supreme Court for Medicaid patients’ ability to access routine care at Planned Parenthood health centers.
• On March 5, 2025, Rep. Pressley and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus issued a statement condemning Donald Trump’s plans to drop the U.S. government’s case against Idaho’s violation of Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) protections for emergency abortion care.
• In January 2025, Rep. Pressley gave an impassioned speech condemning H.R. 21, Republicans’ cruel anti-abortion bill that criminalizes providers and denies families care.
• In January 2025, Rep. Pressley was announced as Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus for the 119^th Congress.
• In October 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on Josseli Barnica, who died on Sept. 3, 2021 after being denied emergency abortion care in Texas as she suffered a miscarriage.
• In September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.
• In May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances. 
• In April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.
• Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide. 
• Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
• In August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive health care and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.
• In July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.
• In May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.
• In May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.
• In April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff. 
• In March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.
• In September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act. 
• In April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive health care decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.
• Rep. Pressley has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on the medication abortion drug mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.
• As Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.
• In May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.
• In August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care. 
• In January 2023, Rep. Pressley introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of political violence in the U.S., regardless of its target or intent. That same day, she delivered a powerful speech on the House floor slamming Republicans’ harmful, misleading anti-abortion resolution.
• In September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. 
• In May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.
• In June 2019, Rep. Pressley introduced H.R. 3296, the Affordability is Access Act, to make oral contraception available without a prescription. 
• In September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) introduced a resolution calling on the United States to become a full member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and revoke sanctions and visa bans on ICC officials.

The Congresswoman’s resolution comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to dismantle the ICC, an independent, credible tribunal built to prosecute the worst crimes known to man.  This move would be antithetical not only to American values, but to global stability and international law.

“I have seen firsthand that impunity breeds more violence,” said. Rep. Omar. “Failure to address atrocities entrenches divisions, prevents healing, and fuels cycles of insecurity. The ICC is a court of last resort, stepping in only when there is credible evidence of war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity and a country is unwilling or unable to prosecute those responsible. It is a crucial tool for justice in places where victims have nowhere else to turn. If we truly believe in human rights and the rule of law, we should strengthen international justice—not undermine it. The United States should lead by example and show that no one is above the law.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued the following statement after the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill H.R.8595. 

NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart said, “This Republican majority has delivered another critical piece of legislation to strengthen our national security while reducing spending. Under Chairman Cole’s leadership and the support of our colleagues, we have delivered nearly $12 billion in responsible cuts under the purview of this subcommittee since 2023. 

 

The fiscal year 2027 bill continues this effort with an additional $2.69 billion in cuts from the fiscal year 2026 enacted level. The ever-increasing national debt is the greatest long-term threat to our country’s stability and security, and this bill makes disciplined decisions to continue reining in spending, while responsibly maintaining our national security priorities. 

Among its many achievements, this bill increases funding to counter narcotics and related law enforcement efforts, including to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, which has devastated every community in America. It maintains support for friends and valuable partners who align themselves with U.S. interests. It also continues a resounding support for a democratic transition to freedom for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. All this while countering anti-American adversaries and ensuring full accountability and transparency of international organizations that have lost sight of their mission. 

Once again, I thank my colleagues for their commitment to ensuring Congress upholds its responsibility to safeguard our national security while protecting taxpayer money.” 

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “True leadership isn’t merely declared – it is upheld through the choices we make, the priorities we fund, and the resolve we show in putting America first and protecting our national interests. This legislation reflects that philosophy by replacing the drift of previous administrations with direction and ensuring our investments bolster U.S. security, influence, and prosperity. President Trump has made clear that our nation will lead with purpose and confidence – both at home and on the world stage. Chairman Díaz-Balart answered that call with legislation that prioritizes strength over symbolism, strategy over bureaucracy, and results over rhetoric. It directs resources to the highest-impact national security and economic priorities by reinforcing our alliances, pushing back decisively against adversaries like Communist China, and confronting illicit actors and transnational networks. It also eliminates billions in unnecessary spending because great nations are defined not by how much they spend, but by how wisely they invest. Today’s passage demonstrates Article I in action – where the power of the purse strengthens America’s security, advances our values, and ensures a stronger future.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS – FISCAL YEAR 2027 NATIONAL SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS BILL 

The National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion, which is $2.69 billion (6%) below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level and continues to deliver on the America First agenda. 

Within the total cuts, the NSRP bill maintains robust funding for our allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and counters adversaries like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and drug cartels, including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The bill supports the President’s vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring all funds are spent consistent with relevant Executive Orders. 

Champions America First Foreign Policy by: 

• Redefining foreign assistance to promote self-sufficiency, bolster economic growth and stability, and protect our national security. 
• Providing increased funds for the America First Opportunity Fund to ensure the Secretary of State has the flexibility to quickly respond to unforeseen opportunities to advance the America First foreign policy agenda. 
• Requiring consideration of a recipient partner country’s cooperation on United States priorities such as migration issues, opposition to foreign adversaries, burden sharing, support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral forums, and the United Nations votes in determining economic assistance allocations. 
• Prioritizing United States commercial interests, helping to create opportunities for American businesses abroad. 
• Prohibiting funds for organizations who may have hired terrorists that took part in the October 7th, 2023, mass atrocities – including the murder of 50 Americans since the initial attack – but refuse to cooperate with United States Inspector General investigations. 

Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by: 

• Upholding America First priorities by promoting a foreign policy that supports our allies and counters our adversaries, focusing on the economic prosperity and national security of the United States, and eliminating contributions to multilateral organizations that are wasteful and antithetical to American values. 
• Supporting President Trump’s executive orders to ensure no wasteful spending on DEI or woke programming, climate change mandates, or divisive gender ideologies. 
• Prioritizing funding and policies to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. 

Protects life, supports American values, and enhances our standing in the world by: 

• Protecting long-standing pro-life provisions as well as enhancing oversight and transparency over program implementation to ensure American taxpayer dollars will not fund abortions. 
• Removing vague references to “gender” and clearly outlines our support for women and girls. 
• Supporting religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid. 
• Defending United States sovereignty by prohibiting funds for the Arms Trade Treaty, and protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans. 
• Banning so-called “disinformation” and “misinformation” programs that violate the free speech rights of American citizens. 
• Allowing only the American flag and other official flags to be flown over United States embassies and consulates. 
• Holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence. 
• Confronting human trafficking by prohibiting funding for countries and organizations that continue benefiting from human trafficking of Cuban medical doctors, while directing the Secretary of State to pull visas for officials involved in such practices. 

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by: 

• Providing unwavering support for Israel by including no less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds. 
• Providing robust assistance to Egypt and Jordan, two key U.S. partners. 
• Including $500 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait, and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees for such purpose. 
• Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million. 
• Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific to counter the PRC’s malign influence. 
• Barring funds for the PRC and the Chinese Communist Party by prohibiting—funds for countries to repay debt owed to China, 
• funds for international financial institutions generating loans to the PRC. 
• Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates. 
• Promoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere. 

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by: 

• Prioritizing fiscal sanity and the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse by strategically investing in partners to help them achieve durable and sustainable goals consistent with United States national security interests. 
• Supporting efforts to reduce duplication, eliminate siloes, and streamline foreign policy under the direction of the Secretary of State to support a nimble and effective Department. 
• Eliminating funding for unauthorized programs, organizations, or functions. 
• Eliminating funding for Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and extraneous or irrelevant programs that diluted the mission of America’s foreign policy. 
• Prohibiting funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 
• Prioritizing diplomatic engagement to favorably resolve commercial disputes abroad and to promote American business interests overseas. 
• Refocusing attention on critical diplomatic functions, such as addressing passport applications and ensuring the safety and security of our embassies. 

A summary of the bill is available here. 

Bill text is available here. 

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